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Patent 2662867 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2662867
(54) English Title: FLORAL NETWORK METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
(54) French Title: PROCEDES ET SYSTEMES DE RESEAU FLORAL POUR LE TRAITEMENT DE COMPOSITIONS FLORALES
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • G06Q 30/00 (2012.01)
  • G06Q 50/10 (2012.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • GOLUB, JEREL T. (United States of America)
  • STROM, RAYMOND J. (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • THE GOLUB CORPORATION (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • THE GOLUB CORPORATION (United States of America)
(74) Agent: CASSAN MACLEAN
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2007-09-06
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2008-03-13
Examination requested: 2012-09-06
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US2007/077797
(87) International Publication Number: WO2008/030989
(85) National Entry: 2009-03-05

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
11/470,778 United States of America 2006-09-07

Abstracts

English Abstract

A floral network system (10) and method (100, 200) allows for collecting, storing and retrieving data regarding the processing of personalized or custom floral arrangements linked to personal accounts for a plurality of customers. For example, a floral network method (100, 200) and system (10) may store one or more close-up or detailed images (80) of a personalized or custom-made floral arrangement for a customer along with data regarding the order, the customer, and a recipient. The next time that the customer places an order, the close-up or detailed images (80) and data on past orders can be retrieved and viewed by the customers and used by the florist in the preparing a subsequent floral arrangement. Reminders may also be sent to the customers for important events where floral arrangements may be desired.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un système (10) et un procédé (100, 200) de réseau floral permettant de rassembler, de mémoriser et de récupérer des données concernant le traitement de compositions florales personnalisées ou sur mesure liées à des comptes personnels pour une pluralité de clients. Par exemple, un procédé (100, 200) et un système (10) de réseau floral peuvent mémoriser une ou plusieurs images en gros plan ou détaillées (80) d'une composition florale personnalisée ou sur mesure pour un client, ainsi que des données concernant la commande, le client, et un destinataire. La prochaine fois que le client passe une commande, les images en gros plan ou détaillées (80) et les données sur les précédentes commandes peuvent être récupérées et visualisées par les clients, et être utilisées par le fleuriste lors de la préparation d'une composition florale consécutive. Des rappels peuvent également être envoyés aux clients pour des événements importants où des compositions florales peuvent être souhaitées.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CLAIMS:
1. A computerized method (100) for use in processing a plurality of floral
arrangements for a customer, the computerized method comprising:
obtaining (120) at least one detailed image of an actual prepared
floral arrangement for the customer prior to delivery of the actual prepared
floral
arrangement;
obtaining (130) data describing at least the number of and type of
the flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangement;
obtaining (140) data regarding the customer;
storing and associating (150) the at least one detailed image of the
actual prepared floral arrangement, the data describing at least the number of
and type of the flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangement, and
the
data regarding the customer in at least one data storage unit;
retrieving (160) the at least one stored detailed image of the actual
prepared floral arrangement for the customer from the at least one data
storage
unit; and
displaying (170) the at least one stored detailed image on a display
for the customer for use in purchasing another floral arrangement.

2. The computerized method of claim 1 further comprising retrieving and
displaying the data describing the number of and type of flowers associated
with
the at least one stored image along with the display of the at least one
stored
detailed image for use in preparing another floral arrangement.

3. The computerized method of claim 1 wherein the storing and associating
(150) further comprises storing and associating data regarding materials and
information on constructing the actual prepared floral arrangement for the
customer.

4. The computerized method of claim 1 wherein the actual prepared floral
arrangement comprises an actual prepared personalized floral arrangement.
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5. The computerized method of claim 1 wherein the storing and associating
(150) further comprises storing and associating data regarding an occasion for

the actual prepared floral arrangement in the at least one data storage unit,
and
further comprising reminding the customer of the occasion for the floral
arrangement.
6. The computerized method of claim 1 further comprising accessing a
database of floral arrangement designs selected from a plurality of actual
prepared floral arrangements for a plurality of customers, and displaying at
least
one detailed image from the database of floral arrangement designs to the
customer for use in purchasing a floral arrangement.

7. A system (10) for use in processing a plurality of floral arrangements for
a
customer, the system comprising:
a processor (12);
at least one storage unit (14) operably connected to said processor;
said processor operable to receive (120, 130, 140) at least one
detailed image of an actual prepared floral arrangement for a customer prior
to
delivery of the actual prepared floral arrangement, data describing at least
the
number of and type of the flowers forming the actual prepared floral
arrangement,
and the data regarding the customer;
said processor operable to store and associate (150) the at least
one detailed image of the actual prepared floral arrangement, the data
describing
the at least the number of and type of the flowers forming the actual prepared

floral arrangement, and the data regarding the customer in the at least one
storage unit;
a display (16) operably connected to the processor; and
said processor operable to retrieve (160) the at least one stored
detailed image from the at least one data storage unit for display on the
display
for use by the customer in purchasing another floral arrangement.

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8. The system of claim 7 wherein said processor (12) is operable to retrieve
for display the data describing the number of and type of flowers associated
with
the at least one stored image along with the display of the at least one
stored
detailed image for use in preparing another floral arrangement.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein said processor (12) is operable to store and
associate data regarding materials and information on constructing the actual
prepared floral arrangement.

10. The system of claim 7 wherein the actual prepared floral arrangement
comprises an actual prepared personalized floral arrangement.

11. The system of claim 7 wherein said processor (12) is operable to receive
data regarding an occasion for the actual prepared floral arrangement, and
said
processor operable to send a reminder to the customer of the occasion for the
floral arrangement.

12. The system of claim 7 wherein said at least one data storage unit (14)
comprises a database of floral arrangement designs selected from a plurality
of
actual floral arrangements prepared for a plurality of customers, and further
comprising displaying one of more detailed images from the floral arrangement
designs on the display (16) to the customer for use in purchasing a floral
arrangement.

13. A computerized system (10) for use in processing a plurality of floral
arrangements for a customer, the computerized system comprising:
means (12, 14) for obtaining (120) at least one detailed image of an
actual prepared floral arrangement for a customer prior to delivery of the
actual
prepared floral arrangement;
means (12, 14) for obtaining (130) data describing at least the
number of and type of the flowers forming the actual prepared floral
arrangement;
means (12, 14) for obtaining (140) data regarding the customer;

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means (12, 14) for storing and associating (150) the at least one
detailed image of the actual prepared floral arrangement, the data describing
at
least the number of and type of the flowers forming the actual prepared floral
arrangement, and the data regarding the customer in at least one data storage
unit;
means (12, 14) for retrieving (160) the at least one stored detailed
image from the means for storing; and
means (16) for displaying (170) the at least one retrieved detailed
image for use by the customer in purchasing another floral arrangement.

14. At least one program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly
embodying at least one program of instructions executable by the machine to
perform a method for use in processing a plurality of floral arrangements for
a
customer, the method (100) comprising:
obtaining (120) at least one detailed image of the actual prepared
floral arrangement prior to delivery of the actual prepared floral
arrangement;
obtaining (130) data describing at least the number of and type of
the flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangement;
obtaining (140) data regarding the customer;
storing and associating (150) the at least one detailed image of the
actual prepared floral arrangement, the data describing at least the number of
and type of the flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangement, and
the
data regarding the customer in at least one data storage unit; and
retrieving (160) the at least one stored detailed image for display
and use by the customer in purchasing another floral arrangement.

15. A computerized method (200) for use in processing a plurality of floral
arrangements for a plurality of customers, the method comprising:
receiving (210) a plurality of orders for floral arrangements for the
plurality of customers via a communication network;
forwarding (220) the plurality of orders to a plurality of florists via the
communication network;

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receiving (230), from the plurality of florists via the communication
network, a plurality of detailed images of actual prepared floral arrangements

based on the plurality of orders, and data describing the number of and type
of
flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangements;
storing and associating (240) the plurality of detailed images of the
actual prepared floral arrangements, the data describing the number of and
type
flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangements, and the data
regarding
the plurality of customers in at least one data storage unit;
retrieving (250) at least one stored detailed image of the actual
prepared floral arrangement associated with at least one customer from the at
least one data storage unit via the communication network; and
displaying (260) the at least one stored detailed image for the at
least one customer for use in purchasing another floral arrangement.


16. The computerized method of claim 15 further a comprising retrieving (230)
via the communication network the data describing the number of and type of
flowers associated with the at least one stored detailed image and the at
least
one stored detailed image, and displaying the data describing the number of
and
type of flowers associated with the at least one stored detailed image and the
at
least one stored detailed image for use in preparing another floral
arrangement.

17. The computerized method of claim 15 wherein the storing and associating
(240) further comprises storing and associating data regarding materials and
information on constructing the plurality of actual prepared floral
arrangements.

18. The computerized method of claim 15 wherein the actual prepared floral
arrangements comprises a plurality of actual prepared personalized floral
arrangements.


19. The computerized method of claim 15 wherein the storing and associating
(240) further comprises storing and associating data regarding a plurality of
occasions for the plurality of actual prepared floral arrangements in the at
least


-23-


one data storage unit, and further comprising reminding the plurality of
customers
of the plurality of occasions for the floral arrangements.


20. The computerized method of claim 15 wherein the storing and associating
(240) further comprises storing and associating data regarding a plurality of
occasions for the plurality of actual prepared floral arrangements in the at
least
one data storage unit, and further comprising compiling a list for at least
one of
the plurality of florists of upcoming reminders for a plurality of customers
for the at
least one of the plurality of florists, and forwarding the list to the at
least one of the
plurality of florists.


21. The computerized method of claim 15 further comprising accessing a
database of floral arrangement designs selected from a plurality of actual
prepared floral arrangements for a plurality of customers, and displaying at
least
one detailed image from the floral arrangement designs to the customer for use
in
purchasing a floral arrangement.


22. The computerized method of claim 15 further comprising forwarding some
of the plurality of detailed images of the actual prepared floral arrangements
to
some of the plurality of customers prior to delivery of the actual prepared
floral
arrangement.


23. The computerized method of claim 22 further comprising requesting
approval from the some of the plurality of customers upon their viewing the
detailed images of the actual prepared floral arrangements, and forwarding
approval to some of the plurality of florists for delivery of the plurality of
some of
prepared arrangements.


24. The computerized method of claim 15 further comprising receiving a
plurality of detailed images of prepared substitute floral arrangements from
some
of the plurality of florists having changes from the number of and type of
flowers
based on the order for the plurality of floral arrangements, forwarding the
plurality


-24-


of detailed images of the prepared substitute floral arrangements to some of
the
plurality of customers, receiving approval from some of the plurality of
customers
upon their viewing the plurality of detailed images of the prepared substitute
floral
arrangements, and forwarding approval to some of the plurality of florists for

delivery of the plurality of substitute floral arrangements.


25. The computerized method of claim 15 wherein the receiving (210) the
plurality of orders comprises receiving some of the plurality of orders from a
floral
wire service.


26. The computerized method of claim 15 wherein the communication network
(20) comprises a global communication network.


27. The computerized method of claim 15 wherein the receiving (210) the
plurality of orders comprises receiving some of the plurality of orders from a

plurality of florists.


28. A method for warehousing information relating to processing a plurality of

orders for floral arrangements for a plurality of customers, the method
comprising:
storing and associating a plurality of detailed images of the actual
prepared floral arrangements, data describing the number of and type flowers
forming the actual prepared floral arrangements, and data regarding the
customers in at least one data storage unit.


29. A system (10) for processing a plurality of floral arrangements for a
plurality
of customers, the system comprising:
a processor (12);
at least one storage unit (14) operably connected to said processor;
a display (16) operably connected to the processor;
said processor (12) operable to receive (120) a plurality of orders for
floral arrangements for the plurality of customers via a communication
network, to
forward (220) the plurality of orders to a plurality of florists via the
communication

-25-


network, to receive (230) from the plurality of florists via the communication

network a plurality of detailed images of actual prepared floral arrangements
based on the plurality of orders, data describing the number of and type of
flowers
forming the actual prepared floral arrangements, and data regarding the
customers, to store and associate (240) the plurality of detailed images of
the
actual prepared floral arrangements in a data storage unit, the data
describing the
number of and type flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangements,
and
the data regarding the customers in at least one data storage unit, to
retrieve
(250) at least one stored detailed image of the actual prepared floral
arrangement
associated with at least one customer from the at least one data storage unit
via
the communication network, and to display (260) the at least one stored
detailed
image on the display for the at least one customer for use in purchasing
another
floral arrangement.


30. The system of claim 29 wherein said processor (12) is operable to store
and associate data regarding a plurality of occasions for the plurality of
actual
prepared floral arrangements in the at least one data storage unit, and
further
comprising compiling a list for at least one of the plurality of florists of
upcoming
reminders for a plurality of customers for the at least one of the plurality
of florists,
and forwarding the list to the at least one of the plurality of florists.


31. The system of claim 29 wherein said processor (12) is operable to access
at least one data storage unit comprising a database of floral arrangement
designs selected from a plurality of actual floral arrangements prepared for a

plurality of customers, and further operable to display at least one detailed
images
from the floral arrangement designs on the display (16) to the customer for
use in
purchasing a floral arrangement.


-26-


32. A computerized method for use in processing a plurality of floral
arrangements for a plurality of customers, the method (200) comprising:
means (12) for receiving (210) a plurality of orders for floral
arrangements for the plurality of customers via a communication network;
means (12) for forwarding (220) the plurality of orders to a plurality
of florists via the communication network;
means (12) for receiving (230), from the plurality of florists via the
communication network, a plurality of detailed images of actual prepared
floral
arrangements based on the plurality of orders, and data describing the number
of
and type of flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangements;
means (14) for storing and associating (240) the plurality of detailed
images of the actual prepared floral arrangements, the data describing the
number of and type flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangements,
and
the data regarding the plurality of customers in at least one data storage
unit;
means (12) for retrieving (250) at least one stored detailed image of
the actual prepared floral arrangement associated with at least one customer
from
the at least one data storage unit via the communication network; and
means (16) for displaying (260) the at least one stored detailed
image for the at least one customer for use in purchasing another floral
arrangement.


33. At least one program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly
embodying at least one program of instructions executable by the machine to
perform a method for use in processing a plurality of floral arrangements for
a
customer, the method (200) comprising:
receiving (210) a plurality of orders for floral arrangements for the
plurality of customers via a communication network;
forwarding (220) the plurality of orders to a plurality of florists via the
communication network;
receiving (230), from the plurality of florists via the communication
network, a plurality of detailed images of actual prepared floral arrangements

based on the plurality of orders, and data describing the number of and type
of


-27-


flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangements;
storing and associating (240) the plurality of detailed images of the
actual prepared floral arrangements, the data describing the number of and
type
flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangements, and the data
regarding
the plurality of customers in at least one data storage unit;
retrieving (250) at least one stored detailed image of the actual
prepared floral arrangement associated with at least one customer from the at
least one data storage unit via the communication network; and
displaying (260) the at least one stored detailed image on a display
for the at least one customer for use in purchasing another floral
arrangement.

-28-

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02662867 2009-03-05
WO 2008/030989 PCT/US2007/077797
FLORAL NETWORK METHODS AND SYSTEMS
FOR PROCESSING FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to computerized methods and systems for
processing floral arrangements, and in particular, to collecting, storing, and
retrieving data regarding personalized floral arrangements linked to
customers'
personal accounts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Typically, florists are independently owned and operated and serve
local communities by providing timely fresh arrangements, plants and related
gifts
for a variety of occasions. Wire services provide networks for these
independent
florists and facilitate the transfer of orders, allowing for delivery of fresh
flowers
around the world. Consumers are often presented with descriptions or
photographs of possible floral arrangements from which to select.

[0003] Various attempts have been made to automate the processing of floral
arrangements for customers. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2002/0082853 by Goodwin discloses a photo delivery service system which
includes delivering a digital image of a recipient receiving a gift to the
sender of
the gift. When placing an order online, by phone or at a storefront, the
sender
gives the merchant the sender's email address or postal address. The sender
places an order with a delivery address and a delivery person with a digital
camera delivers the gifts. When the gift is handed to the receiver, the
delivery
person captures at least one digital image with the camera of the gift and the
person. The image can also be a video and audio clip from a digital camcorder.
The receiver can also attach a short message of thanks to the image. The image
is then sent to the sender. A server database holds a library of delivered
flowers,
gifts or other goods, and can be referenced for future orders. For example, if
a

-1-


CA 02662867 2009-03-05
WO 2008/030989 PCT/US2007/077797
customer comes back to a merchant flower store in a few months and asks for
the
same arrangement they previously ordered, the merchant can use the customer's
stored image to reproduce a similar flower arrangement.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002/0007321 and
2002/0055878 by Burton disclose systems and methods for ordering flower
arrangements. For example, the system may display a vase that allows the user
to fill in flowers one stem or stalk at a time. In addition, a display may
include a
content area that displays information about user orders such as current,
future,
or past orders. The system may also provide a display for record keeping
purposes. In this regard, the display may be used to show order history,
accounting data, or any information relevant to users when accessing accounts.
[0005] U.S. Patent No. 5,440,479 issued to Hutton discloses a floral kiosk
system which interacts with a floral ordering network and which allows users
to
either select a particular floral arrangement or create a floral arrangement
from an
assortment of flowers, flower configurations, and flower holders. In one
embodiment, the method includes storing predefined floral data in a database
of a
user station (the floral data including a plurality of flowers, a plurality of
flower
configurations, and a plurality of flower holders), retrieving the floral data
from the
database and displaying the retrieved floral data on display means integrally
associated with the user station. A customer then selects floral data
displayed on
the display means so that at least one of the plurality of flowers, at least
one of
the flower configurations, and at least one of the flower holders are selected
to
create the floral arrangement. To complete the purchase, the created
arrangement is ordered from the user station utilizing an integral network
interface
which is operatively connected to a remote floral network.

[0006] There is a need for further methods and systems for collecting,
storing,
and retrieving data regarding personalized floral arrangements linked to
customers' personal accounts.

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CA 02662867 2009-03-05
WO 2008/030989 PCT/US2007/077797
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a computerized
method for use in processing a plurality of floral arrangements for a
customer.
The computerized method includes obtaining at least one detailed image of an
actual prepared floral arrangement for the customer prior to delivery of the
actual
prepared floral arrangement, obtaining data describing at least the number of
and
type of the flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangement, obtaining
data
regarding the customer, storing and associating the at least one detailed
image of
the actual prepared floral arrangement, the data describing at least the
number of
and type of the flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangement, and
the
data regarding the customer in at least one data storage unit, retrieving the
at
least one stored detailed image of the actual prepared floral arrangement for
the
customer from the at least one data storage unit, and displaying the at least
one
stored detailed image for the customer for use in purchasing another floral
arrangement.

[0008] The present invention provides, in a second aspect, a system for use in
processing a plurality of floral arrangements for a customer. The system
includes
a processor, at least one storage unit operably connected to the processor,
and a
display operably connected to the processor. The processor is operable to
receive at least one detailed image of an actual prepared floral arrangement
for a
customer prior to delivery of the actual prepared floral arrangement, data
describing at least the number of and type of the flowers forming the actual
prepared floral arrangement, and the data regarding the customer. The
processor is operable to store and associate the at least one detailed image
of
the actual prepared floral arrangement, the data describing the at least the
number of and type of the flowers forming the actual prepared floral
arrangement,
and the data regarding the customer in the at least one storage unit. The
processor is operable to retrieve the at least one stored detailed image from
the
at least one data storage unit for display on the display for use by the
customer in
purchasing another floral arrangement.

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CA 02662867 2009-03-05
WO 2008/030989 PCT/US2007/077797
[0009] The present invention provides, in a third aspect, a computerized
system for use in processing a plurality of floral arrangements for a
customer.
The computerized system includes means for obtaining at least one detailed
image of an actual prepared floral arrangement for a customer prior to
delivery of
the actual prepared floral arrangement, means for obtaining data describing at
least the number of and type of the flowers forming the actual prepared floral
arrangement, means for obtaining data regarding the customer, means for
storing
and associating the at least one detailed image of the actual prepared floral
arrangement, the data describing the at least the number of and type of the
flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangement, and the data regarding
the customer in at least one data storage unit, means for retrieving the at
least
one stored detailed image from the means for storing, and means for displaying
the at least one retrieved detailed image for use by the customer in
purchasing
another floral arrangement.

[0010] The present invention provides, in a fourth aspect, a computerized
method for use in processing a plurality of floral arrangements for a
plurality of
customers. The method includes receiving a plurality of orders for floral
arrangements for the plurality of customers via a communication network,
forwarding the plurality of orders to a plurality of florists via the
communication
network, receiving, from the plurality of florists via the communication
network, a
plurality of detailed images of actual prepared floral arrangements based on
the
plurality of orders, and data describing the number of and type of flowers
forming
the actual prepared floral arrangements, storing and associating the plurality
of
detailed images of the actual prepared floral arrangements, the data
describing
the number of and type flowers forming the actual prepared floral
arrangements,
and the data regarding the plurality of customers in at least one data storage
unit,
retrieving at least one stored detailed image of the actual prepared floral
arrangement associated with at least one customer from the at least one data
storage unit, and displaying the at least one stored detailed image for the at
least
one customer for use in purchasing another floral arrangement.

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CA 02662867 2009-03-05
WO 2008/030989 PCT/US2007/077797
[0011] The present invention provides, in a fifth aspect, a system for
processing a plurality of floral arrangements for a plurality of customers.
The
system includes a processor, at least one storage unit operably connected to
said
processor, and a display. The processor is operable to receive a plurality of
orders for floral arrangements for the plurality of customers via a
communication
network, to forward the plurality of orders to a plurality of florists via the
communication network, to receive from the plurality of florists via the
communication network a plurality of detailed images of actual prepared floral
arrangements based on the plurality of orders, data describing the number of
and
type of flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangements, and data
regarding the customers, to store and associate the plurality of detailed
images of
the actual prepared floral arrangements in a data storage unit, the data
describing
the number of and type flowers forming the actual prepared floral
arrangements,
and the data regarding the customers in at least one data storage unit, to
retrieve
at least one stored detailed image of the actual prepared floral arrangement
associated with at least one customer from the at least one data storage unit
via
the communication network, and to display the at least one stored detailed
image
on a display for the at least one customer for use in purchasing another
floral
arrangement.

[0012] The present invention provides, in a sixth aspect, a computerized
method for use in processing a plurality of floral arrangements for a
plurality of
customers. The computerized method includes means for receiving a plurality of
orders for floral arrangements for the plurality of customers via a
communication
network, means for forwarding the plurality of orders to a plurality of
florists via the
communication network, means for receiving, from the plurality of florists via
the
communication network, a plurality of detailed images of actual prepared
floral
arrangements based on the plurality of orders, and data describing the number
of
and type of flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangements, means for
storing and associating the plurality of detailed images of the actual
prepared
floral arrangements, the data describing the number of and type flowers
forming
the actual prepared floral arrangements, and the data regarding the plurality
of

-5-


CA 02662867 2009-03-05
WO 2008/030989 PCT/US2007/077797
customers in at least one data storage unit via the communication network,
means for retrieving at least one stored detailed image of the actual prepared
floral arrangement associated with at least one customer from the at least one
data storage unit via the communication network, and means for displaying the
at
least one stored detailed image for the at least one customer for use in
purchasing another floral arrangement.

[0013] The present invention provides, in a seventh aspect, a method for
warehousing information relating to processing a plurality of orders for
floral
arrangements for a plurality of customers. The method includes storing and
associating a plurality of detailed images of the actual prepared floral
arrangements, data describing the number of and type flowers forming the
actual
prepared floral arrangements, and data regarding the customers in at least one
data storage unit.

[0014] The present invention also provides computer products employing the
above-described methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification.
The present invention, however, may best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of various embodiments and the accompanying
drawings in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a floral network system
for use in processing a plurality of floral arrangements for customers in
accordance with the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a close-up or detailed image of a floral arrangement for use
in
the floral network system of FIG. 1;

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[0018] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of one embodiment of method for processing a
plurality of floral arrangements for a customer using the floral network
system of
FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of one embodiment of method for processing a
plurality of floral arrangements for a plurality of customers using the floral
network
system of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of one embodiment of method for processing a gift
for a customer using the network system of FIG. 1; and

[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of one embodiment of method for processing a
plurality of gifts for a plurality of customers using the network system of
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention in one aspect is generally directed to floral
network systems and methods for collecting, storing, and retrieving data
regarding
floral arrangements which may be personalized floral arrangements particular
to
the customers and linked to personal accounts for the customers. As described
in greater detail below, a floral network system may store one or more close-
up or
detailed images of floral arrangements, e.g., standard, customized, or unique
floral arrangements for customers, along with data regarding the order, the
customer, and a recipient, prior to delivery of the floral arrangement. The
next
time that the customer desires to place an order for a subsequent floral
arrangement, the close-up or detailed images and data on past orders can be
retrieved and viewed by the customers and used by the florist for preparing a
subsequent floral arrangement. The subsequent personalized floral arrangement
can also be imaged and stored with data for further use in viewing by the
customer and by the florist for preparing further floral arrangements.
Reminders
may also be sent to the customer for important events where floral
arrangements
may be desired.

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[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of floral network system
in accordance with the present invention, which may be operated by a
business enterprise, for processing a plurality of orders for flower
arrangements.
As shown in FIG. 1, generally floral network system 10 may be connected to a
communication network 20 such as a telephone network, a global network such
as the Internet, or other network for communication with a plurality of
florists 30, a
plurality of floral wire service providers 40 such as the FTD wire service,
and/or a
plurality of online customers 50.

[0024] In addition, floral network system 10 may be operated by, for example,
a supermarket distributor and connected via communication network 20 such as
the Internet or its own computer network to a plurality of floral departments
60 in
its supermarkets. It will also be appreciated that the present invention may
also
be a stand-alone floral system that is operated by a single independent
florist or a
single floral department of a store.

[0025] Floral network system 10 may include, for example, a computing unit or
processor 12, one or more data storage units 14, and one or more input/output
devices 16. The florists, floral departments, and online customers may access
the network using personal computers, and the wire services may access the
network using servers or personal computers. It will be appreciated that
terminals, personal digital assistants, and other devices may be suitably
employed.

[0026] Whenever a new customer orders a floral arrangement, e.g. based on a
catalog of floral arrangements or resulting from discussion between the
customer
and a florist, a registration screen may be displayed to the florist. The
florist may
then fill in the information for the customer and the order so that a custom
personal database for the customer may be created. When a floral arrangement
is made for a customer, for example, at a florist or at a floral department of
a
supermarket, one or more detailed or close-up images 80 of the floral
arrangement may be taken such as illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, a
detailed

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or close-up image may be taken using a digital camera, and transferred to and
stored in data storage unit 14 under an order number, the customer's name,
and/or other indicia. The detailed or close-up image may be an image taken at
close range resulting in a tightly framed image and which may be shown at a
relatively large scale allowing viewing of the flowers forming the floral
arrangement. One or more close-up or detailed images may be taken, for
example, a perspective view, a front elevational view, right and left
elevational
views, rear elevational view, or any other views which aid in illustrating the
number of and type of flowers, the placement, and the container or vase for
holding the floral arrangement. The one or more images may also aid the
florist
in constructing a similar floral arrangement using wire, foam, ribbons, bows,
greens, and other design materials. Recipient information, retail price,
particulars
of the occasion and other information may also be obtained, and stored and
linked to the one or more images. The floral arrangement may then be picked up
or delivered to the recipient. Images of the floral arrangements may be sent
to
the customer so that at a later time, the customer may remember and/or share
with others the floral arrangement that was sent. The storage of the images
may
be along with and associated with data describing the floral arrangement such
as
the order number, the number of and type of flowers in the floral arrangement,
the
customer name and address, recipient name and address, and the occasion for
the floral arrangement. Additional information may include instructions for
constructing the floral arrangement such as the materials used in the floral
arrangement such as the type of container or vase, wire, foam, greens,
ribbons,
bows, and any other design material and information.

[0027] The next time that the customer orders a floral arrangement, the
florist
or a person in the floral department can retrieve the one or more detailed or
close-up images and information on past personalized floral arrangement orders
for the customer. In addition, online customers may access their own
personalized accounts via the Internet, for example, by using a password. The
close-up images and information may be presented to the customer for their
review. This may speed up the service in taking and processing a new order,

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allow further customizing of the floral arrangement, and minimize the
likelihood of
errors and miscommunication in obtaining and processing the order for a floral
arrangement.

[0028] Reminders may also be sent to the customers for important events
where floral arrangements may be needed. Reminders may be sent via mail,
telephone, or email. Orders may be taken, for example, by telephone, e-mail,
or
over the Internet.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 100 for
processing an order for a flower arrangement for a customer in accordance with
the present invention. Method 100 includes at 110, preparing a floral
arrangement for the customer based on the order. At 120, at least one detailed
or close-up image of the actual prepared floral arrangement is obtained, at
130
data describing the number of and type of flowers forming the actual prepared
floral arrangement is obtained, and at 140 data regarding the customer is
obtained. At 150, the at least one close-up image of the actual prepared
floral
arrangement, the data describing the number and type of flowers forming the
actual prepared floral arrangement, and the data regarding the customer are
stored and associated in at least one data storage unit for the customer. In
addition to the image of the floral arrangement, the data stored in the data
storage unit may also include the name and address of the customer, and the
name and address of a recipient of the actual prepared floral arrangement,
and/or
instructions for constructing the floral arrangement. Thereafter, at 160, the
at
least one stored detailed image may be retrieved from the data storage unit,
and
at 170 the detailed image displayed, on a display or printed out, to the
customer
for use in purchasing another floral arrangement. It is appreciated that the
displayed detailed image may be displayed at a lower resolution for the
customer
while the florist has access to a higher resolution of the detailed image and
the
data regarding the floral arrangement when preparing a similar floral
arrangement.

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[0030] For example, with reference again to FIG. 2, floral arrangement 80 may
include two daisies 82, two irises 84, a lily 86, and two ferns 88. Thus, the
data
describing the number of and type of flowers forming the actual prepared
floral
arrangement may include listing two daisies, two irises, one lily, and two
ferns.
Such data carnation may be stored in the data storage unit. In addition, the
colors of the various flowers may be included as well as the particular
variety of
the type of flower.

[0031] As described above, customers of floral arrangements may access a
floral system employing method 100, for example, at a florist, a floral
department
of a store, or via the Internet. At a later date, the customers may access
their
own designs. For example, one or more stored images of the actual prepared
floral arrangement for a customer may be retrieved from the at least one data
storage unit, and displayed for the customer on a display for the customer for
use
in purchasing another floral arrangement. Thereafter, subsequent floral
arrangements may be prepared based on the at least one stored image of the
actual prepared floral arrangement and the data describing the actual prepared
floral arrangement. For example, the customer may view their past purchases
and indicate whether they want to duplicate the next order or incorporate
changes. The retrieval and display of the images and data to a florist allow
generally producing a copy, and possibly a nearly exact copy, of the prior
floral
arrangement for the customer.

[0032] In addition, data regarding an occasion for the actual prepared floral
arrangement may be obtained from the customer and stored in the data storage
unit. This provides floral network system 10 (FIG. 1) with the ability to
remind
customers in the future of occasions for floral arrangements. Such a floral
network system may simplify and streamline the processing of orders from
frequent customers. The floral network system may also provide a personalized,
customer-driven interactive process, or an automated process, e.g., where a
customer can simply click on a button labeled "do it just like last time."

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[0033] Another benefit of floral network system 10 is the ability to send
orders
and images from one location to another for processing floral arrangements.
FIG.
4 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 200 for processing a
plurality of orders for delivery of flower arrangements. The orders may
include
data regarding the customer, the floral arrangement (and may include one or
more images of an actual floral arrangement from an earlier purchase), the
recipient, the price, the time for delivery, order number, and other
information.
Method 200 includes at 210, receiving a plurality of orders for floral
arrangements
from a plurality of customers via a communication network. At 220, the
plurality of
orders is forwarded to a plurality of florists via the communication network
such as
to florists located near a recipient for delivery of the floral arrangement.
At 230, a
plurality of close-up or detailed images of actual prepared floral
arrangements
based on the plurality of orders, and data describing the number of and type
of
flowers forming the actual prepared floral arrangement are received from the
plurality of florists via the communication network. At 240, the plurality of
close-
up or detailed images of the actual prepared floral arrangements, the data
describing the number of and type flowers forming the actual prepared floral
arrangement, and the data regarding the customer are stored and associated in
at least one data storage unit. Additional data may include indicia
identifying the
orders, names and addresses of the customers, names and addresses of the
recipients, dates and reasons for the purchase, and information on
constructing
the floral arrangement. Thereafter, at 250, the at least one stored detailed
image
may be retrieved from the data storage unit, and at 260 displayed to the
customer
for use in purchasing another floral arrangement. The at least one image and
data regarding the image may be retrieved and displayed, e.g., on a display or
printed out, for the florist in preparing another floral arrangement.

[0034] For example, the at least one stored close-up or detailed image of the
actual prepared floral arrangement for a particular customer may be retrieved
from the at least one data storage unit, and displayed on a display for the
particular customer for use in purchasing a subsequent floral arrangement.
Then,
at the customer's direction, a florist may prepare another floral arrangement

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based on the at least one stored close-up or detailed image of the actual
prepared floral arrangement and the data regarding the actual prepared floral
arrangement for the particular customer.

[0035] Data regarding a plurality of occasions for the plurality of actual
prepared floral arrangements in the at least one data storage unit may be
stored
and associated with the other data, and a plurality of reminders may be sent
to
the plurality of customers of the plurality of occasions for the floral
arrangements.
In another aspect of the floral network system, the system may compile a list
for
at least one of the plurality of stores of upcoming reminders for a plurality
of
customers, and forward the list to the at least one of the plurality of
stores. The
plurality of stores may then contact their local customers on the compiled
list.
[0036] Conventionally, florists and floral department of stores use industry
standard design catalogs for displaying floral arrangements to customers. Such
design catalogs may not be seasonally appropriate and/or do not showcase
individual talents. In another aspect of the floral system of the present
invention,
the floral system may include access to a database of updateable floral
arrangement designs, e.g., a designer database, which may be displayed to the
customer. This may result in a starting point for a custom or a personalized
floral
arrangement design for a customer. In addition, a database of updateable
floral
arrangement designs may be shared by various florists and floral departments.
For example, each store on a floral network system may be able to access the
designer database and learn new designs and techniques for floral arrangement.
Using the database or updateable floral arrangement designs, florists can show
selections to prospective customers that are current and seasonally
appropriate.
In addition, the operator of the floral network system may have a database of
images of unique designs from which a customer may select. Florists and floral
departments may also be provided with cost and retail pricing information, as
well
as view a recipe and directions for preparing the floral arrangement designs.
The
unique designs may be altered frequently and reflect the tastes of local
clientele.

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[0037] Particular unique actual floral arrangements created for customers
using the floral network system in accordance with the present invention may
be
used in creating a database such as an electronic catalog for use by other
customers in purchasing a floral arrangement.

[0038] For example, certain detailed or close-up images may be selected and
compiled. One possibility may allow florists to nominate one or more best
designs
for use by other florists. Such lists may be compiled or posted periodically
such
as monthly or seasonally among, for example, a plurality of florists or floral
departments operated by a supermarket. In addition, a compiled list or posting
may be a gallery of designs and updated periodically such as monthly or
seasonally.

[0039] Another way to access the floral system may be via in store kiosks. For
example, a customer could enter their floral order upon entering a store such
as a
supermarket, conduct their shopping, and then pick up the completed or
prepared
floral arrangement at the end of their shopping. The customer may also access
the Internet from the kiosk to send an order for a floral arrangement via a
wire
service to a distant recipient.

[0040] Some of the plurality of close-up or detailed images of the actual
prepared floral arrangements may be forwarded, for example via email, to some
of the plurality of customers prior to delivery of the actual prepared floral
arrangement. Approval from the customer may be requested upon their viewing
the close-up or detailed images of the actual prepared floral arrangements. In
addition, if certain flowers are not available, the florist may transmit a
close-up or
detailed image of a substitute floral arrangement directly to the customer or
to the
network system which forwards the close-up or detailed image of the substitute
floral arrangement to the customer. Approval may be requested from the
customer prior to filling the order. If approval is granted, the network
system can
forward the approval to the florist. Thereafter, the floral arrangement may be
picked up or delivered.

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[0041] The floral network system may also be configured for customers
desiring flowers and floral arrangements for weddings. For example, a
potential
customer such as a bride may register for a free wedding consultation on the
system, either via the Internet or a kiosk in a store. A bride may enter
information
about her wedding into the floral network system which may be associated with
designs and pricing. Images of flowers showing their colors and of floral
arrangements could be sent to the bride and distant relatives for approval and
may also be ordered from other stores in a chain. An email photo of the event
may be sent one year after the wedding as an anniversary reminder. The
designer database described above may include a section on weddings, showing
the most popular designs in local areas.

[0042] The data storage unit may be searchable so that searching for
particular types of flowers may allow retrieval of floral arrangements
containing
those types of flowers.

[0043] Another aspect of the present invention includes a computerized
method for processing a plurality of gifts such as gift baskets, cakes, deli
platters,
meat, seafood and produce, as well as other items or products.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 300 for
processing an order for a gift for a customer. Method 300 includes at 310,
preparing a gift for the customer based on the order. At 320, at least one
close-
up or detailed image of the actual prepared gift is obtained, at 330, data
describing the actual gift is obtained, and at 340, data regarding the
customer is
obtained. At 350, the at least one close-up or detailed image of the actual
prepared gift, the data describing the gift, and the data regarding the
customer
are stored and associated in at least one data storage unit. In addition to
the
close-up or detailed image of the gift, the data stored in the data storage
unit may
also include the name and address of the customer, and the name and address
of a recipient of the gift. Thereafter, at 360, the at least one stored
detailed image

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may be retrieved from the data storage unit, and at 370 displayed to the
customer
for use in purchasing another gift.

[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 400 for
processing a plurality of orders for delivery of gifts. Method 400 includes at
410,
receiving a plurality of orders for gifts from a plurality of customers via a
communication network. At 420, the plurality of orders is forwarded to a
plurality
of stores via the communication network such as to stores located near a
recipient for delivery of the gift. At 430, a plurality of close-up or
detailed images
of actual gift based on the plurality of orders, and data describing the gift
are
received from the plurality of stores via the communication network. At 440,
the
plurality of close-up or detailed images of the actual gift, data describing
the gift,
and the data regarding the customer are stored and associated in at least one
data storage unit. Thereafter, at 450, the at least one stored detailed image
may
be retrieved via the communication from the data storage unit, and at 460
displayed to the customer for use in purchasing another gift. The detailed or
close-up images and/or data regarding the gift may be used in preparing a
subsequent gift.

[0046] As described above, the network systems of the present invention may
include, for example, one or more computing units, data storage units or
memory,
and one or more input/output devices, as is well known in the art. The central
computing unit may be based, for instance, on a Sun workstation running a Unix
operating system, or a personal computer running a Microsoft WINDOWS
operating system. The computing unit desirably includes or has access to
memory or data storage units, e.g., hard drive(s), compact disk(s), tape
drive(s),
etc., for storing various data which are accessed and used in processing
orders
for floral arrangements.

[0047] As also described above, the communication network may include a
local area network or a global communication network such as the Internet
which
comprises a vast number of computers and computer networks that are

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interconnected through communication links. The interconnected computers may
exchange information using various services, such as electronic mail, and the
World Wide Web ("WWW"). The WWW service allows receiving information or a
web page from the floral network system.

[0048] Each resource (e.g., computer or Web page) of the WWW is uniquely
identifiable by a Uniform Resource Locator ("URL"). To access information or
view a specific Web page, for example, one computing unit specifies the URL
for
a second computing unit in a request (e.g., a HyperText Transfer Protocol
("HTTP") request). For example, the floral network system may be provided with
a uniquely identifiable Uniform Resource Locator. When the computing units of
the florist, floral department, or online customer receives the information,
it
typically displays the information in a Web page using a browser. A browser is
a
special-purpose application program that effects the requesting of Web pages
and the displaying of Web pages. The computing units 620 may typically use a
browser such as Microsoft's INTERNET EXPLORER.

[0049] More particularly, web pages are typically defined using HyperText
Markup Language ("HTML"). HTML provides a standard set of tags that define
how a Web page is to be displayed. When the requested HTML document is
received by a computing unit, the browser displays the Web page as defined by
the HTML document. The HTML document contains various tags that control the
displaying of text, graphics, controls, and other features.

[0050] The above-described computing environments and/or computing units
are only offered as examples. The present invention can be incorporated and
used with many types of computing units, computers, processors, nodes,
systems, workstations and/or environments without departing from the spirit of
the
present invention.

[0051] Although various embodiments have been depicted and described in
detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that

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modifications, additions, substitutions and the like can be made without
departing
from the spirit of the present invention and these are, therefore, considered
to be
within the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

***~~
-18-

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 2007-09-06
(87) PCT Publication Date 2008-03-13
(85) National Entry 2009-03-05
Examination Requested 2012-09-06
Dead Application 2014-09-08

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2013-09-06 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2009-03-05
Application Fee $400.00 2009-03-05
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2009-09-08 $100.00 2009-08-28
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2010-09-07 $100.00 2010-08-27
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2011-09-06 $100.00 2011-07-29
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2012-09-06 $200.00 2012-08-24
Request for Examination $800.00 2012-09-06
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
THE GOLUB CORPORATION
Past Owners on Record
GOLUB, JEREL T.
STROM, RAYMOND J.
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2009-03-05 2 73
Claims 2009-03-05 10 437
Drawings 2009-03-05 6 203
Description 2009-03-05 18 891
Representative Drawing 2009-03-05 1 12
Cover Page 2009-07-09 2 46
Claims 2012-09-06 31 1,222
Correspondence 2009-05-27 1 15
PCT 2009-03-05 1 52
Assignment 2009-03-05 8 238
Prosecution-Amendment 2012-09-06 33 1,291